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For the first time, benzophenone and related compounds were investigated in açaí-based food products. An extraction method based on the dilute-and-shoot approach, combined with the use of in-situ formed metal-containing ionic liquids (MCILs) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography, was developed and validated. A nickel and cobalt-based MCIL, in addition to the ratio of MCIL to lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide salt ([Li + ][NTf 2 - ]) for the ensuing metathesis reaction, were optimized. Parameters of the in-situ formed MCIL step, namely, the amount of MCIL, centrifugation time, and dilution step, were analyzed using a multivariate optimization approach, including central composite rotatable design and Derringer and Suich's tool. Optimum extraction performance was achieved using 50.98 mg of nickel-based MCIL and a MCIL to ([Li + ][NTf 2 - ]) ratio of 1:3 (m/m), a centrifuge time of 22 min, and 10.53 mL of water for the dilution step. This condition was used to perform analytical validation, which yielded satisfactory results with R 2 ≥ 0.995, limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.0025 to 0.5 mg kg -1 , and limits of quantification (LOQ) between 0.008 and 1.5 mg kg -1 . The recovery rate ranged from 87 % to 107 % and precision values (as percent relative standard deviation) were equal or lower than 13 %. The validated method was applied to 25 samples of açaí-based food products purchased from Brazil and the United States. None of the samples showed analyte concentration levels above the LOD. The method's suitability was demonstrated for future monitoring of complex samples, such as foodstuffs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Açai (Euterpe oleracea) is one of the main sustainable extractive crops in the Amazon region, widely consumed by the local population and a significant export product. This review presents the current knowledge regarding nonthermal technologies employed in açai processing. This review aims to discuss and compare the main results attained by the application of HPP, ultrasound, ozone, UV light, cold plasma, and pulsed electric field on microbial inactivation, enzymatic inhibition, and the content of anthocyanin and other bioactive compounds after açai pulp processing. The discussion compares these technologies with pasteurization, the current main technology applied to açai sanitization. This review shows that there are still many gaps to be filled concerning açai processing in thermal and non-thermal technologies. Data analysis allowed the conclusion that pasteurization and HPP are, up to now, the only technologies that enable a 5-log CFU reduction of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria in açai. However, no study has reported the inactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi, which is the major gap found in current knowledge. Other technologies, such as pulsed electric field, cold plasma, and ultrasound, require further development and process intensification studies to be as successful as HPP and pasteurization., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Artisanal cheeses are highly valued around the world for their distinct sensory characteristics, thus being prone to adulteration by substituting authentic material for cheaper products, such as vegetable oil. In this work, we developed a method based on a portable NIR spectrometer as a non-destructive and low-cost alternative to identify adulteration in butter cheese. Dataset consisted of authentic and intentionally adulterated cheeses in the laboratory and commercial cheeses, which were identified as authentic and adulterated with vegetable oil after analysis of the fatty acid profile. PLS-DA classification models identified adulterated samples with an accuracy of 94.44%. PLS prediction models showed excellent performance (RPD > 3.0) to predict the adulterant level. These results demonstrate that NIR spectra can be used to identify the replacement of authentic fat by soybean oil in butter cheese and that the developed models can be used to identify adulteration in external samples with good performance., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cinnamon is a valuable aromatic spice widely used in pharmaceutical and food industry. Commonly, two-cinnamon species are available in the market, Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon), cropped only in Sri Lanka, and Cinnamomum cassia (false cinnamon), cropped in different geographical origins. Thus, this work aimed to develop classification models based on NIR-hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) coupled to chemometrics to classify C. verum and C. cassia sticks. First, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore hyperspectral images. Scores surface displayed the high similarity between species supported by comparable macronutrient concentration. PC3 allowed better class differentiation compared to PC1 and PC2, with loadings exhibiting peaks related to phenolics/aromatics compounds, such as coumarin (C. cassia) or catechin (C. verum). Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and Support vector machine (SVM) reached similar performance to classify samples according to origin, with error = 3.3 % and accuracy = 96.7 %. A permutation test with p < 0.05 validated PLS-DA predictions have real spectral data dependency, and they are not result of chance. Pixel-wise (approach A) and sample-wise (approach B, C and D) classification maps reached a correct classification rate (CCR) of 98.3 % for C. verum and 100 % for C. cassia. NIR-HSI supported by classification chemometrics tools can be used as reliable analytical method for cinnamon authentication., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

To guarantee the adequate intake of nutrients a variety of food supplementation (including infant formulas) has been used to ensure the nutrition of infants. Considering that the total concentration of nutrients is not enough to determine whether the food provides all the nutritional needs, the objective of this study was to evaluate the total concentration and bioaccessibility of some elements in thirty commercial infant formulas consumed in Brazil. A standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method was used to obtain the soluble fraction of each mineral, which was analyzed by ICP OES after microwave oxidative digestion to obtain the bioaccessibility values. The total concentration and the bioaccessibility of the elements varied considerably according to the sample type (traditional infant formulas, formulas for infants with gastrointestinal problems, formulas for premature and soy-based). The bioaccessibility values are 3-43% (Ca), 53-97% (Cu), 35-100% (Fe), 70-114% (K), 47-90% (Mg), 52-95% (P), 31-92% (Zn). In general, the total concentration values for the elements were higher than that declared by the manufacturers, also than the current legislation as well, regarding the DRI. Although these results, it is important to emphasize that the consumption of infant formulas can provide an adequate intake of minerals for the infants., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05215-0., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2021.)

Although blueberries are widely studied, little information exists on their composition and content of flavonol glycosides. Most studies identify only a few flavonols in blueberries due to separation and identification issues. In the present study, we identified 44 flavonols and chlorogenic acid in 30 samples of Highbush and Rabbiteye blueberry, using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS n . Highbush group fruits presented mainly quercetin-3-galactoside in their composition, while Rabbiteye group fruits exhibited higher levels of quercetin-3-rhamnoside and quercetin-3-glucuronide. Among the identified flavonols, 8 acylates (acetyl and hydroxymethylglutaroyl) were found, of which quercetin-3-O-[4″-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)]-α-rhamnoside was found for the first time in blueberries. This compound is exclusive to the cultivars Florida and Powderblue, where it is present in high quantities. Glucuronides of syringetin and laricitrin, and rhamnosyl-galactosides of myricetin, quercetin and isorhamnetin were also found for the first time in blueberries. The Principal Component Analysis showed that blueberry groups can be distinguished based on their phenolic compound profile., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

α-CsPbI 3 quantum dots (QDs) show outstanding photoelectrical properties that had been harnessed in the fabrication of perovskite QDs solar cells. Nevertheless, the stabilization of the CsPbI 3 perovskite cubic phase remains a challenge due to its own thermodynamic and the presence of surface defects. Herein, we report the optimization of the CsPbI 3 QDs solar cells, by monitoring the structure, the morphology and the optoelectronic properties after a precise treatment, consisting of the conventional solvent washing with a time limited ultraviolet (UV) exposure combination, during the layer-by-layer deposition. The UV treatment compensates the defects coming from the essential but deleterious washing treatment. The material is stable for 200 h and the PCE improved by the 25% compared with that of the device without UV treatment. The photo-enhanced ion mobility mechanism is discussed as the main process for the CsPbI 3 QDs and solar cell stability.

Objective: To analyze the trend of orthopedic surgery (OS) rates on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Methods: Retrospective observational study based on information provided by the Spanish National System of Hospital Data Surveillance. All hospitalizations of patients with RA for orthopedic surgery [total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), arthrodesis, and upper limb arthroplasty (ULA)] during 1999-2015 were analyzed. The age-adjusted rate was calculated. Generalized linear models were used for trend analysis., Results: There were 21,088 OS in patients over 20 years of age (77.9% women). OS rate adjusted by age was 754.63/100,000 RA patients/year (women 707.4, men 861.1). Neither an increasing nor a decreasing trend was noted for the total OS. However, trend and age interacted, so in the age ranges 20-40 years and 40-60 years, an annual reduction of 2.69% and 2.97%, respectively, was noted. In the age ranges over 80 years and 60-80 years, we noted an annual increase of 5.40% and 1.09%, respectively. The average age at time of OS increased 5.5 years during the period analyzed. For specific surgeries, a global annual reduction was noted in rates for arthrodesis. In THA, there was an annual reduction in patients under 80 years. In TKA and ULA, there was an annual reduction in patients under 60 years., Conclusion: Although the overall OS rate has not changed, there is a decrease in the rate of arthrodesis at all ages, THA in patients under 80 years of age, as well as TKA and ULA in patients under 60 years of age.

Baby bottles made of polypropylene, Tritan® and silicone were evaluated regarding the migration of non-volatile compounds using UPLC-QTOF-MS. Twenty-seven compounds were identified. In all polypropylene samples the migration of 2.2'-(tridecylimino)bis-ethanol and derivatives thereof were detected in concentrations below the specific migration limit (1.2 mg.kg -1 ). Furthermore, clarifying agents and glycerol derivatives were detected. Tritan baby bottle showed the migration of one slip additive. On the other hand, twenty compounds were detected in silicone baby bottles. Most of them were unknown compounds derived from acrylates. Once the migrants were identified, the risk assessment was carried out using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. The risk assessment of migrants coming from silicone samples showed levels above the threshold recommended as safe for babies., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To analyse trends in hip fracture (HF) rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over an extended time period (17 years)., Methods: This observational retrospective survey was performed by reviewing data from the National Surveillance System for Hospital Data, which includes more than 98% of Spanish hospitals. All hospitalisations of patients with RA and HF that were reported from 1999 to 2015 were analysed. Codes were selected using the Ninth International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification: ICD-9-CM: RA 714.0 to 714.9 and HF 820.0 to 820.3. The crude and age-adjusted incidence rate of HF was calculated by age and sex strata over the last 17 years. General lineal models were used to analyse trends., Results: Between 1999 and 2015, 6656 HFs occurred in patients with RA of all ages (84.25% women, mean age 77.5 and 15.75% men, mean age 76.37). The age-adjusted osteoporotic HF rate was 221.85/100 000 RA persons/ year (women 227.97; men 179.06). The HF incidence rate increased yearly by 3.1% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.0) during the 1999-2015 period (p<0.001) and was more pronounced in men (3.5% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.9)) than in women (3.1% (95% CI 2.3 to 4.1)). The female to male ratio decreased from 1.54 in 1999 to 1.14 in 2015. The average length of hospital stays (ALHS) decreased (p<0.001) from 16.76 days (SD 15.3) in 1999 to 10.78 days (SD 7.72) in 2015. Age at the time of hospitalisation increased (p<0.001) from 75.3 years (SD 9.33) in 1999 to 79.92 years (SD 9.47) in 2015. There was a total of 326 (4.9%) deaths during admission, 247 (4.4%) in women and 79 (7.5%) in men (p<0.001)., Conclusion: In Spain, despite the advances that have taken place in controlling disease activity and in treating osteoporosis, the incidence rate of HF increased in both male and female patients with RA., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are opportunistic pathogens frequently encountered in nosocomial infections. Animal-associated CoNS pose a zoonotic risk and constitute a potential reservoir for virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. To improve our knowledge of animal-associated CoNS, we sequenced the complete genomes of Staphylococcus felis (ATCC 49168) and Staphylococcus kloosii (ATCC 43959)., (Copyright © 2018 Mascarenhas dos Santos et al.)

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main restrictor of lateral shifting of the patella, contributing by 60 % in the first 20° flexion of the knee. MPFL reconstruction has been performed in order to restore the stability of the patella with good results.Lyophilized Gracilis tendon allograft (LGA) compared to Cryopreserved Gracilis tendon allograft (CGA) has a lower cost, does not require to maintain cooling chain or preparation. The purpose of this study is to compare the histological and biomechanical characteristics of an experimental model of reconstruction of the MPFL in porcine patellas with LGA versus CGA., Methods: Randomized controlled experimental study in porcine model conducted on 36 porcine patellas in which 18 were intervened with LGA and 18 were intervened with CGA. The confluent tunnel technique was used for MPFL reconstruction. Maximum tensile force, allograft elongation and stiffness of the construct were measured. The cellularity and collagen tissue distribution were evaluated in the allografts. The histological and biomechanical characteristics of the LGA were compared to those of the CGA., Results: The median of the maximum tensile force for the LGA group was 299.63 N and 280.86 N for the CGA group (p = 0.45). The median of the stiffness was 57.86 N/mm for the LGA and 54.23 N/mm for the CGA (p = 0.2). The median of the elongation for the LGA was 5.95 mm and 6.12 mm for the CGA (p = 0,29). The bone bridge failed in 88.88 % of the constructs with LGA and 94.44 % in those with CGA (p = 0.5)., Conclusions: No differences were observed between the LGA group and the CGA group in maximum tensile force, elongation, stiffness, site of rupture and histological characteristics. The use of a lyophilized Gracilis tendon allograft for MPFL reconstruction confers the same histological and biomechanical characteristics as a cryopreserved Gracilis tendon allograft.

The association of dermatomyositis with myasthenia gravis (MG) is uncommon, having been reported so far in only 26 cases. We report the case of a 69 year-old man diagnosed with MG two years ago and currently treated with piridostigmyne. The patient developed acute proximal weakness, shoulder pain and elevated creatine-kinase (CK). He also developed generalized facial erythema and Gottron's papules. Laboratory tests showed positive antinuclear and anti-Mi2 antibodies. Further analysis confirmed CK levels above 1000 U/l. The clinical management of the patient and the therapeutic implications derived from the coexistence of both entities are discusssed., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of patients with port-site metastasis following robotic assisted surgery for gynecological malignancies. Patients who underwent robotic assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy and surgical staging at a single institution from November 2006 through November 2011 were retrospectively identified. Medical records were reviewed and the following information was extracted: diagnosis, histology, tumor extension, procedure, complications and post-surgical intervention. Port-site metastases were differentiated between isolated and not isolated. All metastases were confirmed with biopsy and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy as indicated. Four hundred forty-six patients with endometrial carcinoma were identified who had undergone robotic assisted hysterectomy and staging. Eight patients were converted to laparotomy and excluded from the study. Of 438 patients, 384 patients were diagnosed with early stages (stages 1 and 2), and 54 were diagnosed with advanced stages (stages 3 and 4). A total of 332 patients underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy regardless of the endometrial cancer stage; of those, 283 with early stage disease underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy, while 49 with advanced stage disease underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy. One hundred seventy-six patients received adjuvant treatment after surgical staging. Four patients were identified with port-site metastases (0.9 %), two patients were reported as isolated metastases. The mean patient age was 63 and mean BMI was 37 kg/m(2). The incidence of port-site metastasis is low after robotic assisted surgery for treatment of endometrial cancer (0.9 %). There is no clear risk factor for development of port-site metastasis or easily identifiable prevention.

Background. Primary leiomyosarcoma of the vagina is an exceedingly rare diagnosis. Current estimates are that this tumor could at most represent a mere 0.062% of malignant neoplasms in the female genital tract, although in actuality it is likely far less common. Case Presentation. A 70-year-old female gravida 3 para 2 with new onset palpable vaginal mass and pink vaginal discharge is diagnosed with primary leiomyosarcoma of the vagina. Chemotherapy is complicated by acute Lyme disease, and the patient requires a robotic-assisted total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and partial vaginectomy. The patient remains without recurrence 18 months after surgery. Conclusion. Vaginal leiomyosarcoma is exceedingly rare with an aggressive course, high recurrence, and undetermined ideal treatment regimen. Its diagnosis can be delayed and its presentation varied. Information on this rare tumor type is predominantly through rare case reports with collective consensus on management lacking. The gynecologic oncologist must exercise prudence in individualizing treatment regimens for this rare yet aggressive malignancy.

Developmentally restricted differentiation antigens or cancer-placental antigens, tastin and bystin, are components of an adhesion molecule that plays a critical role in the implantation of the embryo to the uterus. Cell adhesion molecules have been implicated in the metastasis of carcinomas and could be critical targets for immunotherapy in epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs). Our objectives were to define the expression of tastin and bystin proteins in EOCs. Expression of tastin and bystin mRNA in a panel of human tissues and 70 EOC specimens was investigated using qualitative polymerase chain reaction. Amplification products were confirmed by sequencing. Validation of results was performed using immunohistochemical analysis of tastin and bystin applied on a tissue microarray of 202 EOC tissues. The distribution of tastin and bystin expression and clinicopathologic variables were analyzed. Survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and statistical significance was determined by performing the logrank test. Expression of tastin and bystin was restricted to placental and testis tissue by qualitative polymerase chain reaction. Of the 70 EOC specimens tested with polymerase chain reaction, 89% and 94% expressed tastin and bystin, respectively. Immunoexpressions of tastin and bystin protein were observed in 69% and 80 % of the ovarian tumors, respectively. Tastin and bystin expression in Stage I/II disease were 66% and 67% compared with 69% and 81% in Stage III/IV disease, respectively. The tissue-restricted expression of tastin and bystin and their abundant expression in EOCs and advanced-stage disease make these developmentally restricted antigens attractive targets for antigen-specific immunotherapy in EOCs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: There is a need for novel therapies for women with recurrent gynecologic malignancies. In this paper, the authors report their experience with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT involves administering a systemic injection of Photofrin II, a selective tumor photosensitizer hematoporphyrin derivative, followed by exposure of tumor tissue to visible light at 630 nm. The photodynamic destruction of tumor exhibits both cytocidal and vascular effects that may contribute to the tumoricidal effects observed., Materials and Methods: Patients were injected intravenously with two mg/kg Photofrin II. Approximately 48 hours post-injection, the tumor was exposed to red light (wavelength 630 nm +/- 2 nm) from a laser through a flexible 400-um quartz fiber with an attached microlens to produce a spot of uniform intensity and/or diffuser tip fiber to uniformly illuminate the cavity., Results: Thirty-two patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies were treated with photodynamic therapy using Photofrin II dye and laser. A total of 45 PDT treatments were given; 25 patients received only one treatment, five patients received two treatments, two patients received three treatments, and one patient received four treatments. There were nine cervical, six vulvar, six vaginal, five ovarian, five endometrial carcinomas, and one recurrent pagets of the anal canal. Nine out of 11 (82%) patients with metastatic cutaneous lesions had a complete response. Five out of 21 patients (24%) with vaginal, cervical or anal recurrences had a complete response to therapy with median response time of 28 months. Toxicity associated with treatment was limited to burning sensation, pain, and edema at treatment site. There were no treatment related deaths., Conclusions: PDT is an effective therapy in patients with recurrent gynecologic malignancies and limited treatment options. PDT is an alternative therapy that offers the possibility of complete response in select groups of patient populations. Specifically, it provides palliation for superficial recurrent lesions of skin, cervix, vagina and vulva, in the absence of distant disease.

Fermented dairy beverages supplemented with the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis containing different concentrations of whey in their formulas (0, 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80%, vol/vol) were processed and checked for pH; proteolysis; levels of glucose, lactose, ethanol, acetic acid, lactic acid, diacetyl, and acetaldehyde; and lactic bacteria and probiotic counts. The results allowed the effect of whey concentration on the dairy beverages to be observed for each of the different parameters analyzed. The degree to which the whey concentration was useful for the microbial cultures, particularly probiotic cultures, appeared to have a limit. In general, dairy beverages processed with different levels of whey in their formulation exhibited good potential as a food matrix for supplementation with probiotic bacteria, with production of characteristic compounds of fermented milk products, such as volatiles and organic acids., (Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Pair-Box 8 (PAX8) is a transcription factor which has been found to be overexpressed in ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC). Silencing PAX8 by using shRNA led to a drop in cell viability in ovarian cancer cell lines, suggesting its use as a targeted therapeutic agent. The prognostic value of PAX8 in OSC is still widely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate PAX8 as a prognostic biomarker in patients with advanced stage OSC., Methods: PAX8 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray of 148 OSC and the expression was correlated to the following clinico-pathologic variables; age of diagnosis, tumor stage, optimal debulking, recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS)., Results: We found that PAX8 was expressed in 61% of cases. There was no association between PAX8 and tumor stage, optimal debulking and disease recurrence. In addition, PAX8 failed to have a predictive value in disease outcome., Conclusion: Despite showing that PAX8 protein is not a useful predictive marker in patients with high grade, advanced stage OSC, its overexpression in a large number of these cases makes the inhibition of PAX8 a very attractive targeted therapy., Competing Interests: statement The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1α) plays an integral role in response to hypoxia, controlling dozens of target genes including aldolaseC (ALDC), an important enzyme in the glycolytic pathway. It also induces angiogenesis, allowing survival and proliferation of cancer cells. The aims of our study were to evaluate the expressions of HIF1α and ALDC in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and define their association with disease outcome and to determine the existence of an association between HIF1α and ALDC proteins., Design: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study using the gynaecological-oncology database. The authors identified all women with EC with adequate follow-up. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to ALDC and HIF1α was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue from 279 patients. To test the association between ALDC /HIF1α protein using immunohistochemistry (IHC) (positive and negative) and the clinical parameters, Fisher's exact test was performed for categorical parameters and the logistic regression model was used for continuous ones. Pearson correlation was used to check the association of IHC between ALDC and HIF1α., Setting: Academic referral centre., Participants: Women with EC from 2000 to 2010 obtained from the gynaecological-oncology database., Outcome Measures: The disease outcome is defined by alive with no evidence of disease versus all other outcomes., Results: ALDC and HIF1α were overexpressed in the vast majority of EC cases (78% and 76%, respectively). There was a strong positive association between HIF1α and ALDC (p=0.0017). There was a significant association between ALDC and depth of myometrial invasion (p=0.0438), and between HIF1α and tumour grade (p=0.0231) and tumour subtype (p=0.018). However, there was no association between neither ALDC nor HIF1α and disease status., Conclusions: ALDC and HIF1α play an important role in endometrial carcinogenesis. Their expression by the majority of EC makes inhibition of HIF1α a very attractive therapeutic option for treating patients with EC and we suggest that it will be prospectively validated in future studies.

Background: The Pax8 transcription factor genes have a role in cell differentiation and cell growth, and silencing of Pax8 in cell cultures results in cell death. The aims of this study were to determine the expression and correlation of Pax8 protein with several clinicopathological variables in patients with endometrial cancer., Methods: The following clinical parameters from 229 patients were used for correlation with Pax8 expression; age, histological subtype, myometrial depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade, lymph nodes status, and disease status., Results: A positive association of Pax8(+) expression was found with high tumour grade (P=0.002), LVI+(P=0.0186), and type II tumour subtype (P<0.0001) in univariate analysis. Survival analysis showed an association of Pax8 and 5-year overall survival probability (P=0.01486), 80.04% for patients with Pax8(-) and 55.59% for patients with Pax8(+). There was also an association of Pax8 and 5-year disease-free survival probability (P=0.02028), 72.12% for patients with Pax8(-) vs 49.88% for patients with Pax8(+). Finally, an association of Pax8(+) and shorter recurrence-free survival was also found (P=0.00203), with 74.36% for Pax8(-) and 52.11% for Pax8(+)., Conclusion: Overexpression of Pax8 protein by endometrial cancer is associated with poor disease outcomes. Inhibition of Pax8 may be a very attractive targeted therapy for selective patients.

We investigated the effect of increased glucose oxidase concentration as a technological option to decrease oxidative stress during the processing of probiotic yogurts. Probiotic yogurts were produced with increased concentrations of glucose oxidase (0, 250, 500, 750, or 1,000 mg/kg) and submitted to physicochemical and microbiological analysis at 1, 15, and 30 d of refrigerated storage. Higher concentrations of glucose oxidase (750 and 1,000 mg/kg) and a longer storage time were found to have an influence on the characteristics of the probiotic yogurt, contributing to more extensive postacidification, an increase in the dissolved oxygen level, and higher proteolysis. In addition, increased production of aroma compounds (diacetyl and acetaldehyde) and organic acids (mainly lactic acid) and a decrease in the probiotic bacteria count were reported. The use of glucose oxidase was a feasible option to minimize oxidative stress in probiotic yogurts. However, supplementation with excessive amounts of the enzyme may be ineffective, because insufficient substrate (glucose) is present for its action. Consumer tests should be performed to evaluate changes in the sensory attributes of the probiotic yogurts with increased supplementation of glucose oxidase. In addition, packaging systems with different permeability to oxygen should be evaluated., (Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Recombinant poxviruses (vaccinia and fowlpox) expressing tumor-associated antigens are currently being evaluated in clinical trials as cancer vaccines to induce tumor-specific immune responses that will improve clinical outcome. To test whether a diversified prime and boost regimen targeting NY-ESO-1 will result in clinical benefit, we conducted two parallel phase II clinical trials of recombinant vaccinia-NY-ESO-1 (rV-NY-ESO-1), followed by booster vaccinations with recombinant fowlpox-NY-ESO-1 (rF-NY-ESO-1) in 25 melanoma and 22 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients with advanced disease who were at high risk for recurrence/progression. Integrated NY-ESO-1-specific antibody and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were induced in a high proportion of melanoma and EOC patients. In melanoma patients, objective response rate [complete and partial response (CR+PR)] was 14%, mixed response was 5%, and disease stabilization was 52%, amounting to a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 72% in melanoma patients. The median PFS in the melanoma patients was 9 mo (range, 0-84 mo) and the median OS was 48 mo (range, 3-106 mo). In EOC patients, the median PFS was 21 mo (95% CI, 16-29 mo), and median OS was 48 mo (CI, not estimable). CD8(+) T cells derived from vaccinated patients were shown to lyse NY-ESO-1-expressing tumor targets. These data provide preliminary evidence of clinically meaningful benefit for diversified prime and boost recombinant pox-viral-based vaccines in melanoma and ovarian cancer and support further evaluation of this approach in these patient populations.

Objective: Synuclein-γ (SNCG) is a marker for adverse and aggressive disease in breast cancer. In previous study, we found SNCG mRNA to be overexpressed in uterine serous carcinoma compared to uterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study is to explore the prognostic value of SNCG in patients with endometrial cancer., Methods: 279 endometrial cancer patients were retrieved from the archives. The tissue paraffin blocks were stained for SNCG antibody and its expression was correlated with clinicopathological prognostic factors., Results: There was a positive association between SNCG(+) immunoexpression and tumor grade, tumor stage, type II carcinomas, deep myometrial invasion and lymphovascular invasion. A correlation between SNCG(+) and adverse outcomes, such as shorter overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS), was also detected. Following adjuvant therapy (radiation and chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone), we observed a difference in 5years DFS rate between SNCG(+) (41.6%) and SNCG(-) patients (59.5%)., Conclusion: Overexpression of SNCG seemed to be a predictor biomarker for aggressive tumor behavior and adverse outcome in patients with endometrial cancer. Future exploration of SNCG as a potential therapeutic target for selected patients could be of interest., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two multi-agent chemotherapeutic regiments that were previously used at the Institution for treatment of advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer., Methods: A retrospective review of patients with Stage III, IV, and recurrent endometrial cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute over a period of 21 years. Two patient groups were defined based on treatment received: cisplatin, adriamycin, and VP-16 with or without megace (PAV-M), or carboplatin and paclitaxel (CT)., Results: Forty-two patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer were included in this review based on regimen received. Median duration of follow up was 55 months. Treatment with PAV-M resulted in more dose modifications compared to CT group (42% vs 11%, respectively). There were no significant differences in disease-free survival or overall survival., Conclusions: PAV/PAV-M is active in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. However, toxicity associated with this triplet regimen may limit clinical use.

PARP, poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase, is a damage-sensing protein, which is essential for the repair of DNA single-strand breaks. PARP and p53 function synergistically in repairing DNA damage and suppressing chromosomal rearrangements. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of PARP and p53 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to correlate their expression with clinicopathologic characteristics. PARP and p53 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry applied on a tissue microarray of 189 EOC and their expressions were correlated to clinicopathologic variables, including the age of diagnosis, stage, grade, histologic type, optimal debulking, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS). PARP and p53 expressions were shown in 61% and 54% of cases, respectively. PARP-positive tumors are more likely to have higher grade (P=0.03) and complete response to initial first-line chemotherapy (P=0.009). Patients with positive p53 staining are more likely to be at the advanced stage disease (P=0.004). Finally, there were no significant associations between PARP and p53 expression and no differences in progression-free survival and OS for PARP or p53 expressions. The overexpression of PARP and p53 in high grade, and advanced stage tumors indicated that these 2 markers might serve as an indicator of aggressive disease behavior. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the role of PARP and PARP inhibitors in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Objective: To describe some of the characteristics of men who underwent a vasectomy in the public health network of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil., Methods: A descriptive study including 202 men randomly selected from a list of all the men vasectomized between 1998 and 2004 in the public health network., Results: Most of the men were 30 years of age or older when vasectomized, had completed elementary school and had two or more children of both sexes. Most of the men came from the lowest income segment of the population: 47.6% in 1998-1999 and 61.3% in 2003-2004. Although the men knew various contraceptive methods, 51.2% reported that their partners were using combined oral contraceptives at the time of surgery. Most men initially sought information on vasectomy at health-care clinics where care was provided by a multidisciplinary team; most received counselling, however, 47.9% of the men waited more than 4 months for the vasectomy., Conclusions: The profile of the vasectomized men in this study appears to indicate that the low-income population from Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil has access to vasectomy; however, the waiting time for vasectomy reveals that difficulties exist in obtaining this contraceptive method in the public health service.

This work aims to present experimental results on the treatment of methylene blue contaminated waters using heterogeneous catalytic ozonation promoted by volcanic sand. The effect of pH (2-8), and the presence of radical scavengers (acetate ions) in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems are evaluated at laboratory scale. Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation using volcanic sand increases methylene blue removal rate. In the presence of free radical scavengers, only a 37% reduction on methylene blue removal rate is observed in the heterogeneous system, as compared with 70% when homogeneous ozonation is used. The results obtained here indicate the importance of chemical surface properties on methylene blue oxidation reactions, suggesting that acid surface sites of volcanic sand play a key role on the reaction mechanism.

Background and Aims: Lymph node (LN) status in gynecologic malignancies plays an important role in patient staging, management, and prognosis. Therefore, an adequacy of LN harvest is crucial. The aim of this study is to determine whether the submission of the entire LN dissection for histologic examination will affect patients' outcome or clinical stage. We also evaluated the time required and cost-effectiveness for the laboratory., Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 134 surgical cases from various gynecologic malignancies was conducted. The LN dissection specimen was performed using a conventional manual node dissection method with all the remaining fat being submitted in additional cassettes. One pathologist evaluated (1) the number and status of palpable LNs identified by the conventional method as well as the number of tissue cassettes and (2) the number, size, and status of the non-palpable LNs as well as the number of tissue cassettes., Results: The palpable LNs ranged from 0 to 36 with average 14.8 LNs per case (Poisson 95% CI: 14.1-15.4). The additional non-palpable LNs ranged from 0 to 16 with an average of 3.1 (Poisson 95% CI: 2.8-3.4). In only one case, a 3-mm non-palpable LN with metastasis was identified; however, it did not affect tumor staging or patient management., Conclusion: The impact on patient outcome is minimal and it does not prove to be cost and time effective when submitting the entire LN dissection specimen in gynecologic malignancies. However, this method could be justified in selective cases in which the manual node dissection does not reveal an adequate number of LNs.

Background: Prenatal diagnosis is an advantage for couples with certain lifestyles, ensures self-determination of an affected child or procreate a healthy. However, Mexico has been performed only in private hospitals and the National Medical Center November 20 ISSSTE and the National Institute of Perinatology., Objective: To evaluate the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in 3081 amniocentesis performed in patients at high risk of having an affected child., Materials and Methods: we analyzed the results of amniocentesis performed between September 1987 and August 2006. Data analysis was done using frequency tables and chi-square, Yates corrected and Mantel-Haenzel., Results: Most studies were requested by maternal age, maternal distress and positive biochemical marker. 9% (< or = 14 weeks) were early amniocentesis and 91% regular (> or = 15 weeks). The samples were processed in triplicate in an open cultivation system. The fetal karyotype was obtained in 99.9% of the studies, 10.5 +/- 1.4 days. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 128 cases (4.2%), 103 were unbalanced and 25 balanced. The most frequent abnormalities were: Down syndrome 39%, balanced translocations 13.2%, 12.5% of Edwards syndrome, alterations in sex chromosomes and 11.5% unbalanced structural aberrations 7%., Conclusions: Our data could be used to provide genetic counseling based on the experience reported here.

L-Amino acid oxidases (LAAOs, EC 1.4.3.2) are flavoenzymes that catalyze the stereospecific oxidative deamination of an L-amino acid substrate to the corresponding alpha-ketoacid with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia production. The present work describes the first report on the antiviral (Dengue virus) and antiprotozoal (trypanocidal and leishmanicide) activities of a Bothrops jararaca L-amino acid oxidase (BjarLAAO-I) and identify its cDNA sequence. Antiparasite effects were inhibited by catalase, suggesting that they are mediated by H2O2 production. Cells infected with DENV-3 virus previously treated with BjarLAAO-I, showed a decrease in viral titer (13-83-fold) when compared with cells infected with untreated viruses. Untreated and treated promastigotes (T. cruzi and L. amazonensis) were observed by transmission electron microscopy with different degrees of damage. Its complete cDNA sequence, with 1452 bp, encoded an open reading frame of 484 amino acid residues with a theoretical molecular weight and pI of 54,771.8 and 5.7, respectively. The cDNA-deduced amino acid sequence of BjarLAAO shows high identity to LAAOs from other snake venoms. Further investigations will be focused on the related molecular and functional correlation of these enzymes. Such a study should provide valuable information for the therapeutic development of new generations of microbicidal drugs.

Objective: To describe the usefulness of bone densitometry in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with primary hyperthyroidism (PHPT)., Material and Methods: Retrospective review of 48 patients with PHPT; 27 received surgical treatment and 21 medical treatment. Radiologic and biochemical findings and bone mass were evaluated at the start of the study and after one and two years., Results: All patients had elevated PTH levels and 87% had normal or moderately increased calcemia. The most common clinical presentations were renal colic (34%) and the absence of symptoms (22.8%). The sensitivity of scintigraphy was 75% and the sensitivity of ultrasonography was 12%. We found osteopenia in 70.3% of patients and osteoporosis in 81.3%, fundamentally in the radius and spine. Bone mass at one year and at two years remained similar in the femur (73.8%) and spine (81.8%) in 58% and 50% of the patients, respectively. Increased bone mass was seen in the femur (30.4%) in 13.6% of the patients and in the spine (33.3%) in 50% of the patients. This increase was greater in the group that received surgical treatment. Calcemia and PTH were decreased by 69.2% and 76.9 %, respectively, in the patients that underwent surgery. In the group that received medical treatment, calcemia remained similar and PTH was decreased by 50%. Fractures developed in 21.8% of the patients., Conclusions: Densitometry assesses the repercussions of the disease on bone mass at the start of treatment and after treatment. Osteoporosis is a common finding. Gains in bone mass occurred fundamentally in patients that had undergone surgery. Bone mass remained similar in a high percentage of patients in both groups.

The health care-related infections are well-known in a critical care setting, but reports of those infections in solid organ transplanted patients are scarce. We developed a study of retrospective cohort in a tertiary teaching hospital for 14 months. Eighty-one patients underwent solid organ transplants. The global incidence of health care-related infection was 42.0%. Fifteen percent of the cases were occurrences of surgical site infections, 14.0% pneumonias, 9.0% primary blood stream infections, 4.0% urinary tract infections and 2.0% skin infection. The most prevalent etiologic agents were K. pneumoniae (8.6%), P. aeruginosa (7.4%); A. baumannii (5.0%) and S. aureus (2.5%). Mortality was 18.0%, none of then related to health care infections. The high rate of those infections, mainly surgical site infections, suggests a demand for stricter measures to prevent and control health care-related infections.

Background: Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) is a benign odontogenic jaw lesion. The aim of this study was to update the biological profile of AOT., Material and Methods: Cases published in the literature and cases in files of co-authors were included., Results: 550 new cases were retrieved, and of a total of 1082 cases analysed, 87.2% were found in the second and third decades. The M:F ratio was 1:1.9. 70.8% were of the follicular variant (extrafollicular: 26.9%, peripheral: 2.3%). 64.3% occurred in the maxilla. 60% of follicular AOTs were associated with unerupted canines. Nineteen cases of AOT (2.8%, M:F ratio was 1:1.4) were associated with embedded third molars. Twenty-two peripheral AOTs (2.3%, M:F ratio was 1:5.3) were recorded. The relative frequency (RF) of AOT ranged between 0.6% and 38.5%, revealing a considerably wider AOT/RF range than hitherto reported (2.2-7.1%)., Conclusions: This updated review based on the largest number of AOT cases ever presented, confirms the distinctive, although not pathognomonic clinicopathological profile of the AOT, its worldwide occurrence, and its consistently benign behaviour.

During blastocyst implantation, the maternal endometrial response to the invading semi-allograft has characteristics of an acute, aseptic inflammatory response. However, once implanted, the embryo suppresses this response and prevents rejection. Simultaneously, the mother's immune system prevents a graft VS. host reaction deriving from the fetal immune system. We have shown that embryonic trophoblast and maternal decidua cells, i.e., cells located in the interface between the fetal placenta and the maternal endometrium, produce corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and express Fas ligand. CRH may play a crucial role in the implantation and the anti-rejection process that protects the fetus from the maternal immune system, primarily by killing activated T cells through the Fas-FasL interaction. In experimental animals, type 1 CRH receptor (CRH-R1) blockade by antalarmin, a specific type 1 CRH receptor antagonist, decreased implantation sites by approximately 70%. CRH is also involved in controlled trophoblast invasion, by downregulating the synthesis of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 by extravillous trophoblast cells. IN VITRO findings showed that CRH-R1 blockade by antalarmin increased trophoblast invasion by approximately 60%. Defective uterine CRH/CRH-R1 system during early pregnancy may be implicated in the pathophysiology of recurrent miscarriage, placenta accreta, and preeclampsia.

In addition to serving as good natural sources of vitamin B(2), milk and milk products are currently being enriched with the vitamins B(1), B(2), B(6), and nicotinamide in Brazil. The objective of this research was to evaluate the levels of enrichment of these products according to their availability in supermarkets in the Campinas (SP, Brazil) region. The separation of the vitamins was carried out on a C 18 column with gradient elution with acetonitrile and aqueous phase. Detection of vitamins was effected in the ultraviolet region and quantification by an external standard. The levels of vitamin B(2) determined in powdered whole milk, skimmed milk powder, and one brand of flavored lactic beverage, were practically double those stated on the packages. The same occurred with vitamins B(6) and PP (nicotinic acid + nicotinamide), when determined in the same lactic beverage and with vitamin B(6), determined in acidified milk. The high levels of vitamin B(2), naturally present in whole milk, and the predominance of the free form, allowed for the determination of this vitamin in non-enriched milk.

Context: Evidence suggests that young women with spontaneous premature ovarian failure (sPOF) have significantly lower androgen levels than age-matched regularly menstruating women., Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate an investigational testosterone transdermal patch (TTP) designed to deliver the normal ovarian production rate of testosterone., Design: This was an open-label study (2-month baseline period followed by 2-month treatment period)., Patients: Nine women with sPOF and a history of regular bleeding patterns on standard estrogen/progestogen cyclic treatment participated in the study. One subject with abnormal baseline levels was excluded., Intervention: Four consecutive 28-d cycles of transdermal estradiol (E2; 0.1 mg/d) and sequential oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA; 10 mg/d for the last 12 d of each cycle). During cycles 3 and 4, an investigational TTP (nominal delivery 150 microg/d) was applied twice weekly to the abdomen., Main Outcome Measures: Steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of free and total testosterone and scheduled vaginal bleeding patterns were studied., Results: The mean (95% confidence interval) of the time-average free testosterone levels during TTP treatment was 7.5 (4.9-9.9) pg/ml; 26.0 (17.2-34.6) pmol/liter (with E2), and 6.9 (4.9-8.8) pg/ml; 23.9 (17.2-30.5) pmol/liter (with E2 and MPA). The confidence intervals of the means include the upper limit of normal for premenopausal women, i.e. 6.8 pg/ml (23.5 pmol/liter), although the mean values are slightly above this., Conclusions: The addition of TTP to cyclic E2/MPA therapy in women with sPOF produced mean free testosterone levels that approximate the upper limit of normal. A 3-yr study to assess safety and effectiveness in this population is in progress.

Objective: To evaluate adhesion reformation after laparoscopic excision of endometriosis and adhesiolysis in women with chronic pelvic pain., Design: Prospective clinical trial., Setting: University hospital., Patient(s): Thirty-eight women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain., Intervention(s): A primary and second-look laparoscopy with adhesiolysis and excision of endometriotic lesions with a neodymium-yttrium argon garnet surgical laser technologies (SLT) contact laser., Main Outcome Measure(s): Adhesion formation and character (thin, thin and thick, or thick). Location of adhesions at a first laparoscopy was compared with de novo or reformation of adhesions and the location of adhesions at a second surgery., Result(s): Adhesions or adhesions combined with endometriotic lesions were significantly more likely to reform at second surgery compared with sites having only an endometriosis lesion. Thick adhesions were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of an adhesion reforming, compared with thin adhesions or thin and thick adhesions. Lesions or adhesions involving the ovary were more likely to be associated with adhesions at a subsequent surgery, compared with lesions in the adjacent ovarian fossa or fallopian tube., Conclusion(s): Most patients developed adhesions after radical surgical excision of endometriosis for pelvic pain. The high incidence of adhesion formation after surgery for endometriosis underscores the importance of optimizing surgical techniques to potentially reduce adhesion formation.

Thirty-nine native plant species were collected from the provinces of Chaco and Formosa, in northern Argentina, and were screened for antimicrobial activity. The plants were dried and extracted thoroughly with methanol. The dry extracts, dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, were tested for inhibition of microbial growth via microplate assay with an oxidation-reduction dye. The test organisms were: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Inhibition of respiratory activities in some of these microbial species was produced by the extracts of Astronium balansae, Geoffroea decorticans, Peltophorum dubium, Geoffroea spinosa, Lantana balansae, Prosopis kuntzei, Prosopis ruscifolia and Bulnesia sarmientoi, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.08 to 0.5 mg dry matter/ml. Further in vitro experiments measuring the growth of S. aureus in liquid culture confirmed that all of the above extracts at 2 x MIC were able to inhibit bacterial growth effectively, and that some of them (A. balansae, G. decorticans, P. dubium, G. spinosa, P. kuntzei and B. sarmientoi) were able to reduce the initial number of viable counts by at least one order of magnitude in 10 hours, indicating that these extracts should be investigated further for the possible presence of bactericidal components.

The present study describes 21 Argentinian patients living in the province of Corrientes, who had developed oral manifestations due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. Of these, 20 patients were men and one a woman. Patients were of an average age of 39 years (range 25 to 72 years). Approximately, 76.2% of the patients were farmers. Gingival lesions were observed in 76%. Also, the tongue (71%) and the lips (62%) were frequently affected. Cytological smears and histopathology showed the characteristic fungal cells with the characteristic granulomatous inflammatory reaction consisting of lymphocytes, epithelioid cells and giant cells of the Langhans type. All patients except one had detectable pulmonary involvement. Therapy consists of long-term administration of itraconazole. Oral manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis are characteristic in their clinical presentation. Early diagnosis and adequate therapy may prevent extensive tissue destructions. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Objective: To report successful pregnancy from embryos that had been cryopreserved for 8.9 years., Design: Case report., Setting: Fertility clinic of the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine., Patient(s): A 43-year-old woman with ovarian failure and a 45-year-old man with nonobstructive azoospermia underwent embryo donation.I NTERVENTION(S): Five embryos that had been cryopreserved and stored since 1989 were thawed in 1998 and donated to an infertile couple. Endometrial preparation was performed with 17beta-estradiol and progesterone. The four embryos with better morphologic characteristics were transferred into the uterus., Main Outcome Measure(s): Post-thaw embryo survival, pregnancy, and birth., Result(s): Embryo survival was satisfactory as assessed by morphology. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography. A healthy baby weighing 2120 g was delivered by cesarean section at 36 weeks., Conclusion(s): Human 8-cell embryos may be viable after extended storage and can result in successful pregnancy.

A relatively simple and inexpensive thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method is described for the detection and semiquantitative measurement of ergovaline in leaf sheaths of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Samples were finely ground and extracted with methanol. The extracts were filtered and the methanol was evaporated. The aqueous residue was extracted with hexane, followed by chloroform at pH 9. The chloroform extract was concentrated and further purified on a preparative silica gel TLC plate, developed with toluene/ethyl acetate/acetonitrile (50:10:40). The ergovaline band was scraped and eluted with methanol. The eluant was concentrated and an aliquot was applied to a silica gel TLC plate. The plate was developed successively with chloroform/acetone/acetic acid (90:10:5) and chloroform/ethanol (9:1). Ergovaline was visualized with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and sulfuric acid. Semiquantitation of ergovaline was achieved by comparison with a known standard of ergotamine, which was shown to have the same Rf as ergovaline in this system. Spike recovery of ergotamine averaged 60%, with a limit of detection of 200 microg/kg of dry tall fescue leaf sheaths. The method was applied to 15 tall fescue samples with varying degrees of fungal infection, and ergovaline was identified in all contaminated samples with endophyte infection above 15%. Thin-layer chromatography may be also applicable for tall fescue seed, where the ergovaline content is usually higher and the amount of interfering pigments is much lower.

Aims: Screening of antimicrobial activity in 25 plant species from Northern Argentina., Methods and Results: Inhibition of microbial growth was measured by a microplate assay with an oxidation-reduction indicator (Alamar Blue). Test organisms were: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Weak inhibitory activities (MIC=0.5 mg dry matter ml(-1)) were found in methanolic extracts of Rivina humilis, Crateva tapia, Funastrum claucum and Schinopsis balansae. Stronger bacteriostatic power was detected in Vassobia breviflora (MIC=0.25 mg ml(-1) against Staphylococcus aureus, and 0.5 mg ml(-1) against Enterococcus faecium). This activity was purified five-fold by extraction with dichloromethane, and it was found equally effective against susceptible or antibiotic-resistant strains of Staph. aureus. In addition, the purified extract was synergistic with gentamicin, and it was bactericidal at 24 h, with a concentration of 0.25 mg ml(-1)., Conclusion: There is a significant antimicrobial activity in Vassobia breviflora., Significance and Impact of the Study: Further studies will be required to disclose the potential importance of these findings.

Agar cultures of toxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 were exposed to phosphine (PH3), in levels ranging from 0 to 2000 ppm (vol/vol). It was found that with PH3 concentrations of 400 ppm or higher the growth of the fungus was totally arrested. When PH3 was vented and the agar plates were exposed to open air, 100% of the initial CFU developed into fully grown colonies after PH3 levels below 300 ppm, but at higher PH3 concentrations only 50% of the colonies developed. The same strain of A. parasiticus was inoculated into high moisture corn under conditions highly favorable for aflatoxin production, and it was exposed to a range of PH3 levels. After exposure to 500 ppm PH3, both fungal growth and aflatoxin synthesis resumed shortly after elimination of the toxic gas, but after exposure to PH3 levels of 1000 ppm and higher, the physical appearance of the contaminated corn was remarkably changed, showing reduced mycelial growth and almost complete absence of green pigmentation. In addition, aflatoxin synthesis was totally absent for the remainder of the experiment (20 days). These results strongly suggest that exposure to PH3 levels of 1000 ppm or higher could bring about persistent metabolic changes in surviving Aspergillus organisms.

Total nucleated cellularity and total erythroid cell populations were measured in spleen and bone marrow of mice at different times after treatment with 3 daily doses of T-2 toxin (2.0 mg/kg). It was found that the initial depletion of hematopoietic cells produced by the toxin was rapidly reverted in spleen, giving way after 48 hr to a significant hypercellularity which after 10 days was 2.5 times the normal levels, but this effect was not observed in bone marrow, which slowly recovered normal cellularity after 5 days. The cytological analysis revealed that there was a highly significant shift in the ratio of erythroid to non-erythroid cells, since erythroid cell populations increased by about 8-fold in spleen and nearly 2-fold in bone marrow between 10 and 35 days after intoxication. In order to test the integrity of the hematopoietic reserve capacity, a hemorrhagic stress was produced in intoxicated animals at 10-50 days after toxin exposure. It was found that the erythroid response capacity was significantly higher in the intoxicated animals compared to anemic controls. The results suggest that the initial cytotoxic damage produced by T-2 toxin in the hematopoietic system is followed by a significant erythroid hypercellularity, which can confer an increased capacity for response to a hemorrhagic emergency.

The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated ingestion of mycotoxin T-2 (T2) or aflatoxin B1 (AFL) at low doses could contribute to the activation of toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice. Mice were divided into two groups: Control (C) and Infected (I). The cyst-forming Beverley strain of Toxoplasma gondii was used to produce the infection one month before treatment with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins were given intragastrically for a 50-day period. The average weight gain was reduced in the groups treated with mycotoxins. Mice developed specific IgG to T. gondii. Histopathological studies showed severe encephalitis in all groups infected. The number of unruptured and ruptured cysts was established and the severity of the lesions was evaluated, the groups treated with mycotoxins being the most severely affected. Immunohistochemical studies of the brain showed free antigen in tissues surrounding ruptured cysts. It is suggested that low and repeated doses of mycotoxins, necessary to produce a subclinical intoxication, precipitate Toxoplasma cyst rupture and consequently the activation of chronic toxoplasmosis.

From 1 October 1991 until 31 December 1993, 1270 cycles for intracytoplasmic sperm injection were performed. Of these, 71 (5.6%) were carried out in women >/=40 years of age. The semen characteristics in couples >/=40 years of age or <40 years were similar. The mean male age for the older group of women was 47.1 years (range 34-67) versus 35 years (25-71) for the younger group of women (P < 0.001). The mean female age was 41.9 years (range 40-47) and 31.8 years (range 23-39). The numbers of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase-II oocytes were significantly lower in women >/=40 years of age (P < 0.001). The mean numbers of replaced embryos were respectively 2.3 (133/59) in women >/=40 years of age and 2.5 (160/63) in women <40 years of age. The delivery rate per retrieval and per transfer was significantly lower in women >/=40 years of age (P < 0.05). The delivery rates per retrieval and per transfer were respectively 7% (5/71) and 8.5% (5/59) in the older group of women versus 22.5% (16/71) and 25.4% (16/63) in the younger group. Female age is the predictive factor for embryonic implantation.

The 59Fe uptake into bone marrow and spleen was measured as a function of time after a single dose of T-2 toxin in mice (2.0 mg/kg, sc). It was found that, after a potent initial inhibition, there was a striking difference in the apparent repair capacity of both tissues: in spleen activity rapidly recovered (48-72 hr), whereas in bone marrow it remained significantly depressed for much longer (about 21 days). These results might be taken to indicate that T-2 toxin produces some sort of irreversible damage to bone marrow. However, working with T-2 toxin-related splenectomized mice it was found that bone marrow erythropoietic activity was rapidly repaired, indicating that, under the conditions of the present experiments, there is no irreversible injury to the marrow haematopoietic or stromal cells. Further studies will be required using multiple doses or continuous toxin exposure in order to test the potential for long-lasting residual injury to the haematopoietic tissue. The present results show that the uptake of 59Fe into both spleen and bone marrow provides a rapid and sensitive method, suitable for primary evaluation of the extent of the erythropoietic damage produced by trichothecene mycotoxins.

Six sample lots of loquat commercialized in Campinas, Brazil were analyzed for their carotenoid composition beta-carotene (7.8 micrograms/g), zeta-carotene (0.1 micrograms/g), neurosporene (1.1 micrograms/g), beta-cryptoxanthin (4.8 micrograms/g), 5,6-monoepoxy-beta-cryptoxanthin (0.6 micrograms/g), violaxanthin (1.6 micrograms/g), (0.8 micrograms/g) and auroxanthin (0.9 micrograms/g) were identified beta-Carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were the principal pigments, being responsible for 44% and 27%, respectively, of the total carotenoid content (17.6 micrograms/g). Both were also the principal contributors to the vitamin A value of 175 RE/100g. The carotenoid composition of the Brazilian loquat resembles that of the Japanese loquat variety Tanaka.